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Sighting Options for the AR-15 Platform

The vast majority of AR rifles presently produced, do not come with built-in sights. Instead, their upper receiver has a flat picatinny rail on top. The rear sight is tightened on, either with a carry handle or a small rear sight.

Front sights are usually integrated with the gas block, however it's becoming more and more common to replace the front sight post with another small picatinny block.

Generally, the rear sight will be a ghost ring setup, with a number of different aperture sizes for different lighting conditions. People frequently choose "flip-up" sights, which generally utilize a spring to fold up into position when desired, but otherwise remain tucked low and out of sight. BUIS (Back-Up Iron Sights) are usually an additional option intended for use when your primary sighting (optics - either a scope or red dot) is out of order.

ARMS #40 flip-up rear sight owners, this page will show you what to replace the mounting nut with if it should get lost.

-- SeanNewton - 02 Aug 2007